Chambers Lake
214 Wagontown Road, Coatesville, PA 19320
Open daily 8:00 AM - Sunset (closed Christmas day)
Open 24 hours a day for fishing
About the Lake
Chambers Lake is a water supply reservoir and regional flood control facility of the Chester County Water Resources Authority.
In 1994, the lake was formed by the construction of Hibernia Dam on Birch Run to provide a supplemental source of local drinking water, and needed flood control for the Brandywine Creek watershed. The lake also offers excellent recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, hiking and bird watching.
In September 1996, the lake was officially dedicated as Chambers Lake, in memory of J. Franklin Chambers, the first superintendent of Hibernia Park.
Lake Facts
- Size: 94 acres
- Deepest Area: 48 feet
- Height of Dam: 64.5 feet
- Length of Dam: 700 feet
- Floodwater Storage Capacity: 257 million gallons
- Water Supply Storage Capacity: 382 million gallons
Hibernia Dam Rehabilitation Project 2020
Chester County Water Resources Authority and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service are undertaking improvements to the Hibernia Regional Flood Control Dam located at Hibernia County Park. The work will involve construction activities beginning June 8 and anticipated to be completed by October 31. The improvements will enhance the structural capability of the dam to meet updated design standards and to extend the life of the Hibernia Dam and Chambers Lake for an additional 50 years.
To protect the safety of Park visitors during the construction activity, public access will be prohibited to the areas in the immediate vicinity of the dam. The work being performed will not affect Chambers Lake or its use.
For more information, please contact Chester County Water Resources Authority (dam owner) at 610-344-5400 or [email protected], or visit our website at chesco.org/water
Fishing + Boating
Fishing is permitted 24 hours a day. The lake is stocked with warm water species, including Panfish, Channel Catfish, Chain Pickerel, and Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass. Chambers is one of only a few Pennsylvania lakes that is a Panfish Enhancement Area, which regulates the number, quality and size of panfish through minimum length limits. It is also one of a select few in the Big Bass Program.
A public fishing pier is open on the lake’s north side and can be accessed from the Lake Trail. Other shoreline fishing is permitted, but is prohibited from the dam breast itself. There is a public parking lot and boat ramp located off Wagontown Road. After park hours, parking is permitted for fishing only.
The northern end of the lake is designated as a wildlife sanctuary and is closed from April 1st through June 15th to all lake and shore activities in this area.
Other County Park Fishing Resources
Life jackets are required while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16' in length or any canoe or kayak. Visit the Fish and Boat Commission website for more information.
No gasoline powered boats or engines are permitted on the lake; only electric-powered or self-propelled boats are permitted. All watercraft must be registered with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Swimming and sailing are prohibited.
Public Boating Information
Chambers Lake offers exceptional opportunities for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. The lake is open to unpowered and electric powered watercraft. All electric powered boats, kayaks, and canoes must have a current Pennsylvania boat registration or valid out-of-state registration. Unpowered boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards must display a current launch permit obtained either through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) or at Pennsylvania State Parks (DCNR). Sail boats are not permitted on Chambers Lake.
Registration
To apply for registration, submit a PFBC boat registration application or call 866-262-8734. Applications can also be obtained at commission offices, most auto tag dealers and many state park offices.
Registration Fees*
| Type of Boat | Fee |
|---|---|
| Unpowered Boats | $18 |
| Boats under 16' in length | $26 |
| Boats between 16' - 20' | $36 |
| Boats longer than 20' | $52 |
* Fees valid for a 2 year period, expiring March 31st of second year.
Every boat must have a sound-producing device (whistle, horn, etc.), and each occupant must have one wearable personal flotation device (PFD). Throwable seats do not count as flotation devices. Children 12 years and younger must wear a PFD at all times.
Visit the Fish and Boat Commission website for updates to boating registration requirements.
Wildlife Watching and Nature Study
Bald eagles and osprey are regular visitors, as well as migratory waterfowl and belted kingfishers. The wetlands also attract egrets, sandpipers, herons, turtles, frogs and an assortment of aquatic insects. The northern end of Chambers Lake and surrounding park area is part of a designated migratory bird sanctuary. It is closed to boating and foot traffic from April 1 to mid-June.
Hiking
The .67-mile Lake Trail winds from the lawn of Hibernia Mansion to the lake and beyond to the public campgrounds. It is wheelchair accessible. The trail includes two overlooks, an accessible fishing area and trail-side benches. No mountain bikes or horses are permitted. Dogs are permitted on a leash.
Walking, fishing, biking and horseback riding on the dam is not permitted.